CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel

We’ve given you plenty of reasons to take advantage of the health benefits of cherries here at the FruitFast blog – not to mention plenty of ways to do it! CherryFlex, an all-natural fruit gel created using our exclusive proprietary process, offers the most complete access to the many phytonutrients found in Montmorency tart cherries.

CherryFlex Soft Gels – our best-selling product, have proven to be an easy way to get your daily fruit requirement. CherryFlex ProSport Shots are perfect for taking the power of cherries with you on the go.

Now, there’s a new way to harness the power of cherries.

We are proud to introduce a new addition to the CherryFlex family of products:  CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel. This delicious Whole Fruit Gel offers the benefits of CherryFlex in a new, convenient package. One tablespoon of Whole Fruit Gel per day provides you with all of the restorative qualities of 100% Montmorency tart cherries while giving you a mega-boost of cherry antioxidants.

“CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel is a wonderful addition to our product line,” said Steve DeTar, FruitFast President. “We’ve had numerous requests to purchase the CherryFlex gel. Packaging it in an 8.8 oz. jar allows our customers to use CherryFlex however they choose.”

Add a boost of cherry to your favorite smoothie, mix it with yogurt, spread it on a piece of toast with breakfast, or just eat a spoonful right from the jar. How will you use CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel? Let us know in the comments!

Are you getting low on your supply of tart cherry juice, fruit supplement bars or CherryFlex ProSport shots? Have you recently heard about the health benefits of cherries or blueberries and are planning to add either or both to your daily routine?

Either way, now is the time to order your favorite products from FruitFast. To celebrate another successful summer, we’re offering FREE shipping on all orders over $75* today through Saturday at midnight!

Order online or call us at 877-591-3101 to order by phone. Use coupon code FREESHIP75 when ordering to receive free shipping.

Reminder: Shipping is always FREE on our fruit softgels, regardless of quantity.

*Offer valid on orders of $75 or more. Expires Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.

Each CherryFlex Softgel contains the naturally-occuring phytonutrients of approximately 80 cherries.

If you’re a regular reader of the FruitFast blog, you’re probably aware of the many health benefits of cherries. Even if this is your first visit, you may already be drinking a serving of tart cherry juice concentrate each morning, adding dried tart cherries to a salad, or using a cherry supplement. Either way, incorporating cherries into your daily routine is an excellent choice for those interested in healthy lifestyles.

So now that you’ve discovered the benefits of cherries, how can you maximize those benefits? And what is the most effective method for getting your daily intake?

For thousands of people throughout North America and beyond, the answer to these questions is CherryFlex Softgels.

CherryFlex is created using a proprietary process that preserves more of the naturally-occurring phytonutrients found in cherries than any other product in existence. The CherryFlex process incorporates the entire fruit, rather than using only the pulp of the fruit as other processes do, which enables CherryFlex to deliver the full complement of anthocyanins, antioxidants and other natural phytochemicals found in the fruit.

CherryFlex Softgels are our most popular product – and perhaps the most effective method, for accessing the natural health benefits found in cherries. Each CherryFlex Softgel contains the naturally occurring phytonutrients of approximately 80 Montmorency tart cherries. To receive the same level of antioxidants found in one CherryFlex Softgel, you’d have to drink four 8-ounce glasses of single-strength tart cherry juice.

As a point of comparison, other cherry supplements are produced by simply removing all available moisture from the pulp of the fruit, reducing it to a powder, then filling small capsules with the powder. This process removes many of the natural nutrients along with the moisture, resulting in a cherry capsule that offers only a fraction of the phytochemicals found in CherryFlex Softgels.

If you’re an active, health conscious person looking to take advantage of the natural health benefits of cherries, CherryFlex Softgels offer the highest concentration of natural phytonutrients from this wonderful fruit in a convenient package designed for easy daily intake . In other words, CherryFlex Softgels are the most effective product available for harnessing the “power of cherries.”

We recently had a visitor to the FruitFast Facebook page ask an interesting question:

Juice from tart cherries offers a multitude of health benefits.

“Do you sell black cherry juice concentrate?”

We’ve had this question pop up before so we thought it would be a good idea to discuss this a bit further.

Black cherries, or “sweet” cherries, are the larger, dark-colored, sweet-tasting cherries regularly found in the produce section of your grocery store. In areas where they’re grown, like here in northern Michigan, sweet cherries are a summer favorite at events, farm markets and roadside stands.

You’ll often find tart, or “sour” cherries, being used in the kitchen, whether it’s cherry pie, dried cherries or one of our customers’ delicious recipes. They are sold ‘fresh’ as well, but not nearly as often as sweet cherries. However, when it comes to cherry juice concentrate, the tart cherry clearly has the upper hand.

FruitFast cherry juice concentrate is made exclusively from Michigan-grown Montmorency tart cherries. So why is this the case? We started by asking FruitFast President, Steve DeTar, about the decision to focus exclusively on the Montmorency Tart Cherry for FruitFast cherry juice concentrate.

“First you start with the health benefits. Tart cherries offer benefits that are far greater than the sweet cherry,” he said.

Research has shown that tart cherries offer the greatest number of health benefits among all cherry varieties. More specifically, anthocyanins and other naturally occurring compounds found in the tart cherry can help speed muscle recovery following strenuous exercise and help to maintain healthy joint function. Want more? The natural goodness in tart cherries can also help to support a healthy immune system and a healthy sleep cycle.*

While the sweet cherry is certainly a wonderful fruit with its own set of health benefits, the natural benefits of the tart cherry are far superior. Plus, studies researching the health benefits of cherries have almost exclusively featured the Montmorency tart cherry, indicating its popularity with those interested in healthy lifestyles.

Those are pretty compelling reasons, but just to make sure, we asked Steve if there were any other factors in the decision.

“Definitely,” he said, “We also think tart cherry juice just tastes better.”

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Lauren ran the Los Angeles Marathon in 2009.

Lauren is a self-described “20-something Southern California girl who dabbles in running.” Although her Twitter bio describes her as a “marathon runner on hiatus,” she’s an active runner who is looking to add training for a triathlon to her list of challenges.

When Lauren told us that she includes tart cherry juice as a part of her workout routine and has seen great results, we wanted to learn more. Below is a Q & A we recently did with Lauren by email.

FruitFast: First, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Torrance, CA with my boyfriend and our dog Maja.  She’s a German Shepherd Mix and a great running buddy.  I graduated from Cal Lutheran University in 2007 with a double major in Marketing Communications and Business Administration and now I work for an internet company that handles international shipping and I’ve been there for about 3 years.

FruitFast: When did you first become involved in running?

I played soccer my whole life and used to hate running.  I really started to get into running when a friend of mine mentioned she was going to train for a half marathon.  I thought to myself “if she can do it, then I can definitely do it too” and started running later that day.  The running bug bit me and I ended up running my first full marathon 6 months later in March.

FruitFast: How long is your typical run?

My typical run depends on my training schedule but I usually run about 25-30 miles a week and the daily runs range from 4-10 miles with a long run on the weekend.

FruitFast: Have you entered organized races? If so, what distances?

I have run 5 half marathons and 3 full marathons since September of 2009 and I would like to start training for a triathlon this year.

FruitFast: How did you first become aware of the restorative power of cherries?

I first became aware of cherries when a friend of mine suggested them.  I suffered from compartment syndrome in my leg and I was looking for a natural way to help alleviate some of the symptoms and swelling.  She had been using cherry juice for awhile so I decided to add it to my regiment and it was amazing.

FruitFast: Have you always used cherry juice, or have you tried other methods? (dried cherries, fruit bars, softgels, etc).

I also add dried cherries to my oatmeal but other than that no.

FruitFast: Tell us a little bit about how cherry juice and similar products have helped you.

Cherry juice has really helped me to alleviate some of the pain associated with compartment syndrome.  It also helps my legs recover a lot faster from runs than they used to.  In addition to those benefits (as if they weren’t enough) I also see a difference from the melatonin found in cherries with my sleep patterns.  I was taking a melatonin pill when I had trouble sleeping but since I started drinking cherry juice I stopped using them.

FruitFast: Describe your routine for using cherry products.

My cherry routine is usually a glass of cherry juice in the morning mixed with orange juice and soda water.  Sometimes I make smoothies with a frozen berry blend that has cherries in it, cherry juice and other fruit.  I also add tart cherries to my oatmeal and trail mix.

FruitFast: Do you/have you recommended cherry products to friends/family with similar interests?

I would highly recommend adding cherry products into your routine if you are doing any sort of physical activity but I think it benefits everyone.  I think there isn’t one person who couldn’t benefit from the antioxidants in cherries and nutrients.

FruitFast: And finally… when you’re talking to someone about why you use cherry products, how do you describe their benefits?

I usually just mention their recovery benefits and tell them my experience with how much easier my body recovers.  It’s such an easy thing to add in to your routine and the benefits are incredible.

Catch up with Lauren on Twitter at @liloruns or check out her blog at http://www.liloruns.com/.

Read more testimonials and learn more about tart cherry juice and the power of cherries on the FruitFast website.

Each spring, typically around the middle of May, the hills and valleys of northwest Michigan come alive with color as thousands of acres of cherry trees come into bloom. Cherry orchards blanket the Michigan landscape along the shore of Lake Michigan from the state’s border with Indiana north to the Mackinac bridge.

The density is highest along the bays and peninsulas that surround Traverse City, known by many as the “Cherry Capital of the World.” During blossom time the Grand Traverse region is a popular destination for sightseeing and photography.

If you’re lucky enough to be in northwest Michigan on sunny day while the brilliant white blossoms are on display, they’re a beautiful site to behold in contrast to the lush, green spring grasses and the clear, blue sky.

We were fortunate to have a couple of days like this at just the right time this year, so of course we grabbed our camera and headed out in search of beautiful blossoms. A few of our photos from Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau County are below. Let us know what you think!

Want to see more? View our Flickr gallery of images from the 2011 cherry blossom season. Do you have photos of this year’s blossoms? We would love to see them! Post a link in the comments or share them with us on our Facebook page.

And the winning recipe in FruitFast’s Berry Cherry Challenge is….

Coconut-Cashew Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Cherry Sauce

Mary Shivers of Ada, Oklahoma is the grand prize winner of the Berry Cherry Challenge with her flavorful entrée that blends an array of spices with nuts and is finished with a vibrant cherry juice sauce that audibly brought “oohs and ahhs” from the panel of judges.

Berry Cherry Challenge judges (l to r) are Ann Post, Queen Maria LaCross, Janet Underwood and Kathy Stimac

An elementary schoolteacher, Mary said winning the contest was so unexpected.  “I have been cooking a long time, having grown up on a farm in Oklahoma with six sisters and a brother.  Part of our chores were making the evening meals, so we had lots of experience,” said the 50-year old.

FruitFast products meld nicely into her winning entrée using Nature’s Hand Coconut Cashew Granola.  “I love mixing the fruity flavors in my poultry recipes and this is a variation on the sauce that works well.”

Mary will choose either a new KitchenAid mixer or $250 in cash for her winning recipe.

Second place winner:  Chocolate Cherry Croissant Bread Pudding With Sparkling Sabayon Sauce.

This unusual dessert was submitted by Margee Berry of White Salmon, Washington.  Dark chocolate mixed with premium FruitFast Dried Cherries in each ramekin was an unexpected surprise.  When combined with the sparkling champagne and tart cherry juice concentrate, this dessert recipe bubbled right to the top of the dessert list for the judges.

“I am usually not a fan of bread pudding, but this recipe brought together interesting ingredients in a perfect way — it was absolutely delicious and was not difficult to make,” said panelist Kathy.

Third place honors go to the breakfast entée, CherBerry Pancakes from Jill Drury of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Beautiful in appearance, these delightfully pink cakes are light and fluffy, thanks to the egg whites, while the tart cherry juice gives them their spectacular color.  Add the sauce that pairs either CherryFlex liquid or the cherry juice concentrate, and you literally have a winner!  And that’s exactly what the judges thought.

“Unbelievably pretty when plated and the maple-cherry juice sauce added just the right finishing touch.  I can’t wait to make these,” said Janet Underwood, company owner and recognized cook.

Special thanks goes to our talented panel of judges – Ann Post, National Cherry Queen Maria LaCross, Janet Underwood, and Kathy Stimac for their dedicated time, discerning palates and culinary expertise.

Many creative, original recipes were submitted for this inaugural contest from around the country and made the selection process difficult but rewarding for those of us involved.  The best of the best recipes will be shared here on the FruitFast website in the weeks and months to come, beginning with the winning entrée the first week of May.

Our thanks to the cooks for participating in the Berry Cherry Challenge, the judges for their thoughtful selections and to our FruitFast customers who make it all possible.

Debbie

With the deadline now passed, and recipes turned in and tabulated, now the hard work really begins:  Choosing the winners in FruitFast’s  Berry Cherry Challenge!

Here are the 12 Semi-Finalists:

Entrées:

Roxanne Chan
Jill Drury
Naylet La Rochelle
Mary Shivers
Amie Valpone
Kristel Wiesner

Desserts:

Danielle D’Ambrosio
Margee Berry
Joni Hilton
Sunya Hobson
Alida Nattress
Mary Shivers

Debbie Colaianni and her panel of judges reviewed all kinds of dishes and desserts, narrowing the field for the final round entries.  From here, Debbie and her team will actually be making these dishes – precisely following the recipes – and then a second panel of judges will score and taste the entries and ultimately select the winners!

We want to thank all of the entrants who took the time and made the effort to submit an original culinary delight using FruitFast products in either the Entrée or Dessert categories, or both. There was an abundance of FruitFast ingredients used from cherry juice, Mixed Berry, Pomegranate, CherryFlex Liquids, and plenty of our premium dried fruits.  We are pleased to report that in the short one-month timeframe we had far more entries than we ever expected from no fewer that 23 different states. And from both men and women, too.

Best of all, when this process is complete, FruitFast will have lots of wonderful recipes to share with all our customers and friends – so we all end up being winners.

Stayed tuned to find out who the talented culinary stand-outs are as we will be announcing them on April 30 – right here on our blog and on Facebook.

Another busy week at the FruitFast Store as finally Spring just might have arrived.  We can definitely tell that people are starting to move around more and tackle all those projects out-of-doors!

It has to be the reason customers are clamoring for CherryFlex to help maintain flexibility and joint health* and help ease sore muscles*.

Nick from Algonquin, Illinois echoes the sentiments of many of our cherry juice, softgel and ProSport Shot customers when he wrote this email message;

“ The CherryFlex ProSport Shots are a big hit.  I keep them in a zip-lock bag in my workout bag.  They are convenient, the taste is powerful but good, and most of all they work.  I purposely leave them out when I’m changing at the health club, and people I work out with have asked me about them, so I handed out a few samples to them.  Positive feedback from them as well.  I’ll definitely be a repeat customer. “

Don’t forget that CherryFlex is available in several forms that are convenient, delicious and affordable.  Many of our tart cherry juice concentrate customers have been making the switch to CherryFlex softgels, or liquid fruit supplements that are tasty by the teaspoonful or terrific in beverages and recipes, and then, of course, there’s our delicious fruit bars.  Same great product — same great taste and benefits.

Think Spring – think CherryFlex!

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Time and again Brownwood / FruitFast receives the question; why use CherryFlex? So, today I decided to consolidate a list of the most important reasons to use CherryFlex and explain why this product is better than any other Tart Cherry Supplement in the world.

The FruitFast Store has one main goal, “help support healthy joint function*” and quite frankly, we do. Sorry folks but the powder filled or compressed Cherry pills just don’t stack up. We are the world’s finest manufacturer of Tart Cherry Supplements and once you try them or talk to someone that has, you will discover just how effective they are!

Here are the Top 7 Reasons to use CherryFlex. Remember, no other Tart Cherry manufacturer in the world can produce the same list!

Strength – Have you ever wondered how to truly compare Tart Cherry Supplements? The key components are the anthocyanins. Each serving (2 Softgels) contains over 200 mgs of anthocyanins and 1600 mgs fill weight. I realize many companies make claims regarding this topic but notice NO ONE outside of Brownwood / FruitFast will produce a certificate of analysis. Our products are vigorously tested by Atlas Bio-Science and we take this topic very seriously. Here’s a classic example: CherryFlex certificate of analysis.

Efficacy – Here’s another comparison check aside from the independent certificate of analysis. CherryFlex has been clinically studied 4 times by very reputable institutions, including the Baylor Research Institute and Winona State University. The first abstract from Winona can be viewed by clicking here The Effect of Antioxidant CherryFlex Supplementation – Winona Abstract.

Absorption – Perhaps the most important aspect that separates this product from all others is the digestible paste that is made from whole fruit. Eating (or taking) CherryFlex is completely normal for your body. Powder filled Cherry capsules contains freeze dried bits of Cherries which are difficult for the body to digest before passing. They also contain additives such as silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate, both of which are known to be toxic. You know the old adage; if you’re taking something healthy, make sure it’s good for you!

Melatonin – Tart Cherries do contain melatonin and CherryFlex is no exception. We have thousands of customers that use this product just for that reason alone. Others let us know that CherryFlex helps maintain a normal sleep cycle* and this is just another added benefit.

Convenience – Now that we have the proof out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. FruitFast is dedicated to helping folks of all ages and as you can see, we pride ourselves on effective products that are easy to use. The CherryFlex paste is made from whole fruit and comes in many convenient forms! Our healthy Fruit Bars are found in school lunch boxes, The CherryFlex ProSport Shots in gym bags, the CherryFlex Softgels next to your multi-vitamins, the CherryFlex Liquid Fruit Supplement (my favorite) and even our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate are great for that time to retire to the back porch for a glass of Cherry Juice (it’s even better added to lemonade).

Flavor – Let’s not leave out the flavor of these awesome products. Just about every day we hear another general comment, “Not only are they working for me but, I love that Tart Cherry Taste!” I realize this is hard to imagine, a product made by nature that works well for maintaining healthy joint function*, is easy to use and tastes great!

Guarantee – With our money back Guarantee, you can rest assured you’ll appreciate our entire healthy line. If you’re not satisfied with any one of our products, return the unused portion within 90 days for a full refund. Your satisfaction is our first priority. Now that is a deal you just can’t beat.

If you have any questions or comments you can email me at ken@fruitfast.com and I’ll be glad to share additional information with you. Believe me, even if the Tart Cherry Concentrate has been your best friend for years, it’s time you give CherryFlex a fair trial. I can assure you we will have another testimonial to the question; why use CherryFlex?

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.